THE BLOGGER

After studying Philosophy at university, I served for 18 years in the British Army – an officer in the Gurkhas. During my service I travelled widely, seeing much of the world and observing the character of humanity across a broad spectrum of conditions. As well as living in the Far East, I deployed on a variety of operations to Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, East Timor, Iraq and ultimately Afghanistan.

My life as a soldier was more than a job: it was a lifestyle and something that I was passionate about. When I left the Army in 2012, I knew that whatever next had to be something that equally inspire me. I didn’t know what that was at the time, so I chose to travel: to seek new experiences, to recalibrate after so long in the military, and allow fresh ideas for the future to emerge.

My experiences in South America changed the way I saw many things in life, and also what I value and what I now aspire to. People, community, connection, an greater understanding of yourself, valuing that which has real meaning… These things have become increasingly important to me. I hope to share my evolving perspective of life with others through this blog.

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10 Comments on THE BLOGGER

It has been a great pleasure to see your blog and awesome adventures throughout South America. They seem to be so distant from that early adventure in the Scottish highlands and lochs we travelled and canoed with Graham in mid ’80s, from which I always keep very fond memories and which definitely inspired me later to continue trekking and climbing.

I heard from Graham that you are actually in Peru and heading north. It is a petty that we weren’t able to get in contact on February while you were in Chile. My dad told me that you tried to reach him through the British embassy, but he got the message too late… However my dad was able to get in contact with Graham and he gave him the address of this blog.

I sincerely hope you succeed in this inspiring life adventure, and hope to hear from you soon.

Hello dear Paul, it was really great to meet you and Pau….hope you have always a ventorous trip…full of good news….and wonder moments. You have a family en Quito Ecuador caring about both of you and expecting about your fantastic performance.

Hola Zaid. It was a pleasure to meet you too earlier this week. Encountering locals in the way we met you, by chance in the street, and being recipients of so much hospitality is one of the special characteristics of this trip. We have been lucky enough to have had several similar encounters in Peru and here in Ecuador. I don’t think it would happen in UK!

We have decided to head back to Peru from Quito instead of spending time in Colombia first. Pau’s funds are running out and we can last longer in Peru where most things are cheaper. I shall return to UK for a bit in July and August and then I suspect I shall pass through Ecuador again to visit Colombia.

Excellent Blog Paul.. Love the bike. I’ve compromised between a small bike and one of the large 1200cc types and gone for the new 2014 V-Strom 1000 so am hoping it is a good all rounder.
If not then I think the XT660Z will be my next choice

Thanks Ian. I need to update the section on the Tenere as it recently got even better!! I’ve installed a set of WP forks on it. I’ve met a few folks riding the V-Strom out here – looks like a lovely bike.

Wow, the interesting things you find on the net!!! Great to see you have broadened your horizons; thoroughly following your adventures. It was a pleasure to serve with you way back when and I look forward to continuing to enjoy your blog!

Aha, Greg!!!! Long time, amigo!! How are you? I was thinking of you recently when I was given a pre-viewing of a documentary about Afghanistan which Nick Allen, the journo who was with us when we were getting slow-onset frostbite looking for invisible Taliban, has put together. It includes a brief clip of us fantasising about the cute French pilot who used to appear in the Kandahar cookhouse when that Mirage did a show of force over the habour!